The Journey & Promise to Italy |Part 3 || Leaving Home for an Unknown Future

[00:00:02]Amaka, are we supposed to cross this sea in those boats?

[00:00:07]>> Amaka stares ahead. She does not answer.

[00:00:10]>> EVERYBODY, GATHER HERE. WE HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT. Listen carefully because I am not going to repeat myself. From here, we are going to cross the sea.

[00:00:17]>> Mermi, those boats? We are crossing this whole sea with those SMALL BOATS?

[00:00:24]>> QUIET! LET ME FINISH.

[00:00:26]There are several boats here. You will be divided into groups. When your group is called, you will enter your assigned boat. Do not push. Do not fight. And do not start moving around once you are inside.

[00:00:38]Look at the sea. Can you see those waves?

[00:00:42]The water is not calm tonight.

[00:00:45]So, when you enter that boat, hold on tightly to whatever you can hold. Hold the side of the boat. Hold the ropes.

[00:00:49]Hold something secure. But, whatever happens, do not panic and start jumping around.

[00:00:53]>> What happens if someone falls into the water?

[00:00:56]>> Then you had better make sure you don't fall.

[00:00:58]Out there, nobody can promise that they will be able to turn back for you. Do you understand? This is the sea.

[00:01:04]>> [music] >> This is not the desert where you can stop and look behind you. Once we leave this shore, if the waves become stronger, hold on. If water enters the boat, do not panic.

[00:01:13]>> They never told us about this. They never told us about anything.

[00:01:17]I don't know how to swim. Neither do I.

[00:01:22]>> We are heading to the next point of the journey. When we get there, you will receive further instructions before continuing toward Italy.

[00:01:27]>> What do you mean the next point? I thought we were going direct- -ly to Italy.

[00:01:30]>> You will go where you are told to go.

[00:01:33]You have already come this far. There is no road back from here. Just follow instructions and you will continue your journey.

[00:01:39]>> The girl falls silent.

[00:01:40]>> Now, listen. LEAVE ANYTHING YOU CANNOT CARRY. There is limited space on the boats. Only take what is necessary.

[00:01:46]>> Everything I have is inside here.

[00:01:48]>> That cannot go.

[00:01:49]>> Please, these are all my clothes. My documents are inside. Please.

[00:01:52]>> Leave it.

[00:01:53]>> Ego immediately started remembering her parents and siblings.

[00:01:57]>> Mama, I'll be back.

[00:02:00]I won't leave you.

[00:02:02]>> You, this side, MOVE. YOU FIVE, OVER THERE.

[00:02:05]>> Stay with me. I'm not leaving you.

[00:02:06]Whatever happens, we stay together.

[00:02:08]PROMISE ME. I PROMISE.

[00:02:10]PLEASE PROTECT US.

[00:02:12]>> RUN.

[00:02:13]GOD, PLEASE HELP US.

[00:02:14]>> LORD, PROTECT US. PLEASE let us survive.

[00:02:18]>> FIRST GROUP, GET INSIDE, QUICKLY.

[00:02:23]>> One by one, the frightened travelers began climbing aboard. The boat shakes beneath their weight. Some immediately grab the ropes. Others hold tightly to the sides. A young woman begins crying before the boat has even left the shore.

[00:02:38]>> We're almost there. Just hold on.

[00:02:40]>> Help, it's shaking.

[00:02:42]>> Then he turned towards Ego and Amaka.

[00:02:45]>> You, the two of you, MOVE.

[00:02:48]I SAID, MOVE.

[00:02:50]>> IN PANIC, [music] they slowly walk toward the water.

[00:02:54]>> [crying] >> Remember what I told you. Stay still, hold on tightly, and whatever happens out there, do not panic.

[00:03:04]>> [music] >> I'm scared.

[00:03:07]>> So am I.

[00:03:14]>> AH, THE WAVES.

[00:03:16]HOLD ON.

[00:03:18]AH, WE'RE CRASHING.

[00:03:20]TO ITALY, don't let go.

[00:03:24]>> The boat pulls away from the shore within minutes. Huge waves begin crashing against its sides. Water splashes over everyone. People scream.

[00:03:34]Some begin crying. The wind grows stronger. The boat rises high on one wave, then crashes down again. Everyone is thrown sideways. People desperately cling to one another. The boat continues filling with water. Panic spreads.

[00:03:50]Several people begin praying aloud.

[00:03:52]>> Don't let go.

[00:03:55]As their boats continued sailing, suddenly they saw lights from a distance.

[00:03:59]>> Amaka, look.

[00:04:02]Is that Is that Italy?

[00:04:07]Italy, are we there? Thank you, Jesus.

[00:04:09]Thank you, Lord. We survived.

[00:04:11]>> Sit down. EVERYBODY, SIT DOWN.

[00:04:13]>> But are we in Italy?

[00:04:14]>> No.

[00:04:17]>> Then where are we going?

[00:04:19]>> We are stopping at another transit point. Another transit point?

[00:04:22]>> Why? You told us we were CONTINUING TOWARD ITALY.

[00:04:25]>> ENOUGH.

[00:04:27]AND you are continuing to Italy, but not tonight.

[00:04:30]The sea ahead is too dangerous. The weather is getting worse, and these boats continued the entire journey in these small boats, and another group is waiting to join us.

[00:04:37]>> How long are we stopping?

[00:04:39]>> Until arrangements are complete.

[00:04:41]>> What does that mean?

[00:04:42]>> It means YOU STOP ASKING QUESTIONS.

[00:04:45]LOOK, THE COAST. We stop there.

[00:04:49]You rest.

[00:04:50]We arrange the next stage.

[00:04:52]Then we continue. Do exactly what you are told, and there will be no problem.

[00:04:57]>> They keep saying that. What? Do what you're told. Everything will be fine.

[00:05:02]But nothing has been fine since we left home.

[00:05:06]>> [music] >> EVERYBODY OUT.

[00:05:09]QUICKLY.

[00:05:11]MOVE. GET TO THE SHORE.

[00:05:13]NO TIME TO WASTE.

[00:05:17]>> PLEASE, HELP ME.

[00:05:19]>> LEAVE HER.

[00:05:20]>> KEEP MOVING.

[00:05:21]Did you hear me?

[00:05:23]>> Leave them.

[00:05:24]They just came from the sea.

[00:05:27]Your people are too slow.

[00:05:29]>> They've been traveling for days. Give them a minute.

[00:05:32]>> A minute? This is not a hotel.

[00:05:33]>> Everybody stay together. Nobody walks away from the group.

[00:05:36]>> Thank you, my daughter. Can you walk?

[00:05:38]>> Not.

[00:05:39]I will try.

[00:05:41]I've got you.

[00:05:43]>> Easy now. Step with us.

[00:05:45]>> You're doing well.

[00:05:47]>> Stop.

[00:05:50]>> [music] >> You brought more people than we agreed.

[00:05:52]The numbers changed, then the payment changes.

[00:05:55]>> [music] >> We already have an arrangement. That arrangement was for fewer people. Look around you. You expect us to house all these people, feed them, hide them? They will not be here long. The next transport is being arranged. Then pay.

[00:06:08]>> What are they talking about?

[00:06:10]>> I don't know.

[00:06:11]>> Everybody put your bags on the ground. I said PUT YOUR BAGS DOWN.

[00:06:15]>> WHY?

[00:06:16]>> Do what they say.

[00:06:17]>> But you told us to keep our belongings close.

[00:06:20]>> Just cooperate. You will get them back.

[00:06:22]Bags down, PHONES OUT, >> EVERYTHING. WHY YOU TAKING OUR MONEY?

[00:06:26]EGO!

[00:06:27]>> Because I asked for it.

[00:06:29]>> [music] >> But I need that money for Italy.

[00:06:31]>> You are not in Italy.

[00:06:33]>> Please, my passport is inside.

[00:06:34]>> Then it stays with us.

[00:06:35]>> No. Please.

[00:06:38]Do something. You brought us here. Tell them to give our things back.

[00:06:41]>> Ego, be quiet.

[00:06:43]>> You know my name?

[00:06:43]>> Madam Rose gave us information about everyone traveling with us.

[00:06:46]>> stealing from us. Please. I carried this all the way from home.

[00:06:50]>> Give it to me.

[00:06:51]>> Please. There's nothing VALUABLE INSIDE.

[00:06:54]>> EGO!

[00:06:58]>> THE TRANSIT guard successfully took her bag from her.

[00:07:01]>> Home. Give it to me.

[00:07:02]>> Please. There's nothing valuable inside.

[00:07:05]Ego!

[00:07:07]No. Please. [music] That is all I have.

[00:07:11]Please, tell him.

[00:07:13]No, please, not this. My mother gave it to me. Please.

[00:07:16]>> Keep your useless book.

[00:07:18]>> Please don't take my money. Please. My family borrowed that money. Please.

[00:07:23]Everything gone. They took everything.

[00:07:25]Ego, I have nothing. Neither do I.

[00:07:27]>> Listen carefully. We are staying at the same transit compound. My men and I have to arrange fuel, boats, and transport to the next stage. You will remain inside the camp. When everything is ready, we move again.

[00:07:35]>> How long? Maybe. We need an answer.

[00:07:38]They're leaving us.

[00:07:39]>> What?

[00:07:40]>> Hey, where are you going? You said you were taking us to Italy.

[00:07:44]>> WE ARE.

[00:07:45]>> THEN WHY are we going in different vehicles?

[00:07:50]Oh my god.

[00:07:51]We're supposed to stay here? Huh.

[00:07:54]You think this is bad?

[00:07:58]>> Stay, my daughter. Some people have been here for months.

[00:08:01]>> Months?

[00:08:01]>> Where did you come from?

[00:08:02]>> Nigeria. Many Nigerians are here, Ghanaians, Eritreans, Sudanese, people from everywhere. Everyone is chasing Europe.

[00:08:08]>> Why haven't they continued their journey?

[00:08:10]>> Money.

[00:08:11]>> What money?

[00:08:13]>> You will understand soon.

[00:08:18]>> Hours pass. Nobody receives food. Nobody receives water. Children hold their mothers.

[00:08:24]>> [music] >> An elderly man approaches a guard.

[00:08:28]>> Please, water. My wife needs water.

[00:08:30]Please, sir. SHE IS SICK.

[00:08:32]>> GO BACK.

[00:08:34]>> JUST A LITTLE WATER.

[00:08:35]>> HEY, STOP.

[00:08:38]>> WHY DID YOU DO THAT?

[00:08:40]>> STOP. Everybody calm down.

[00:08:42]>> He pushed an old man.

[00:08:44]>> I saw what happened.

[00:08:45]>> Then do something.

[00:08:48]>> Listen to me. This is temporary. Don't create trouble. We need these people to help us continue.

[00:08:52]>> Help us? They took our money. They took our phones. They took everything in our bags. They won't even give an old man water. What kind of help is this?

[00:08:58]>> You think this journey is easy?

[00:09:00]You think there are airports waiting for you?

[00:09:02]Hotels? This is how the route works.

[00:09:04]>> Nobody told us this.

[00:09:06]>> If people told you everything, would you have come?

[00:09:09]>> This cannot keep anybody alive.

[00:09:12]Take it. Ego, you're hungry, too. We'll share. That's how we'll survive.

[00:09:18]>> Nearby, a little boy watches them eating. Ego notices. She looks at her remaining bread.

[00:09:25]Then at the child, slowly, she gives him half. The boy's mother begins crying.

[00:09:31]>> [sighs] >> God bless you. Let him eat, and may God bless you, Tuma.

[00:09:38]>> Everybody wake up.

[00:09:40]Those with family abroad will call them tomorrow. Tell them to send money.

[00:09:43]>> What money?

[00:09:44]>> Payment for staying here.

[00:09:45]>> We didn't ask to stay here. Our journey IS ALREADY PAID.

[00:09:47]>> NOT TO US.

[00:09:48]>> Our journey has already been paid. Not to us.

[00:09:51]>> EVERYBODY WAKE UP. THOSE WITH FAMILY ABROAD them tomorrow. Tell them to send money.

[00:09:55]>> We didn't ask to stay here.

[00:09:57]>> NOT TO US.

[00:09:58]>> You knew about this.

[00:10:00]You knew they would demand money from us.

[00:10:03]>> Keep your voice down.

[00:10:05]>> Madam Rose paid you to take us to Italy.

[00:10:08]>> Madam Rose paid for one part of the route.

[00:10:10]>> What? What do you mean, one part?

[00:10:13]Answer us.

[00:10:14]>> Every part of this journey has different people controlling it. Roads, borders, both. You pay whoever controls the route.

[00:10:18]>> But we have no money anymore.

[00:10:21]>> Then pray Madam Rose has arranged the rest.

[00:10:28]Three days become five. Five become seven. The travelers became tired. The guards become careless towards anyone who complains it didn't really go well with them. Those who refuse orders are dragged away.

[00:10:38]>> At night, Ego and Amaka sleep close to the older women for protection. One evening, a frightened young woman rushes back into their sleeping area, crying and clutching her torn clothing.

[00:10:52]The women immediately surround her.

[00:10:54]Nobody asks what happened. They understand enough.

[00:10:58]>> Ego, we cannot stay here.

[00:11:01]We won't.

[00:11:02]>> How do you know?

[00:11:05]>> Because if I start believing we will never leave.

[00:11:08]I will lose my mind.

[00:11:11]>> Listen.

[00:11:13]Our transport is ready. We leave tonight.

[00:11:16]>> Thank you, Jesus. Our things, they took our money, our phones, our bags. Tell them to return them.

[00:11:21]>> Forget them.

[00:11:22]>> Forget them?

[00:11:23]>> If you want to continue to Italy, get ready. Anything left behind stays behind.

[00:11:28]>> So, everything we brought from home is gone?

[00:11:31]>> You have 10 minutes.

[00:11:33]Gather whatever you can. Some of you will leave with nothing.

[00:11:36]No bags, no money, no phones, no documents. The gate is open. Go.

[00:11:41]Everybody stay together. Nobody gets separated. We still have another route ahead before Italy.

[00:11:45]>> When we left home, I thought the hardest thing would be saying goodbye to my family. And now, now I don't even know what the hardest thing is anymore.

[00:11:53]Please, tell them to slow down.

[00:11:56]Are you okay? My back, my whole body is hurting. Hold on to me.

[00:12:02]>> DRIVER, SLOW DOWN. THERE ARE OLD PEOPLE HERE.

[00:12:06]CAN YOU HEAR ME?

[00:12:12]>> PLEASE, I FEEL SICK.

[00:12:14]>> Use this.

[00:12:15]>> I need water.

[00:12:16]>> Nobody has water.

[00:12:18]>> You still have it. It is the only thing they didn't take from me.

[00:12:21]>> Maybe your mother is praying for you.

[00:12:23]>> I hope so.

[00:12:24]>> My mother doesn't even know where I am now.

[00:12:26]>> What did you tell her?

[00:12:27]>> That I would call when I reached Italy.

[00:12:29]>> I thought I would have reached >> Italy a long time ago.

[00:12:33]>> We will call them when when we survive this.

[00:12:41]>> EVERYBODY OUT.

[00:12:45]>> WHERE ARE WE?

[00:12:47]>> I don't know.

[00:12:49]>> These are all of them?

[00:12:50]>> Yes.

[00:12:51]>> 1 2 3 >> Why is he counting us?

[00:12:56]>> Maybe he needs to know how many people will travel.

[00:12:58]>> [music] >> 47 >> You said 50.

[00:13:01]>> We lost some people on the journey.

[00:13:04]>> That is not my problem.

[00:13:05]>> Lost?

[00:13:06]>> Ego, keep quiet.

[00:13:08]>> Amaka, >> [music] >> look.

[00:13:09]>> What are they paying for?

[00:13:10]>> I DON'T KNOW.

[00:13:11]>> EVERYBODY INSIDE.

[00:13:14]I SAID INSIDE.

[00:13:17]>> [music] >> WE ARE sleeping here.

[00:13:23]You are not here for comfort.

[00:13:25]>> Then why are we here?

[00:13:27]>> Because the sea is being watched.

[00:13:28]>> Watched by who?

[00:13:29]>> Coast guards, people who don't want you crossing.

[00:13:31]>> How long are we staying?

[00:13:33]>> Until I say you can leave.

[00:13:35]>> One day? Two days?

[00:13:37]>> Maybe one day, maybe one week, maybe longer.

[00:13:39]>> One week?

[00:13:40]>> Do you have somewhere else to go?

[00:13:41]>> What about food?

[00:13:43]>> Food?

[00:13:43]>> We haven't eaten properly. Some people here are sick.

[00:13:46]>> You will receive something later.

[00:13:47]>> And water?

[00:13:47]>> Later.

[00:13:48]>> Everything is always later.

[00:13:49]>> What did you say?

[00:13:50]>> Nothing. She didn't say anything.

[00:13:52]>> Good.

[00:13:53]Listen carefully.

[00:13:54]Nobody leaves this building. Nobody goes near the road. Nobody speaks to anyone outside. If the police find this place, your journey ends here.

[00:13:59]>> What happens to us then?

[00:14:00]>> That is your problem.

[00:14:02]>> We have entered another prison.

[00:14:05]Now, only God go save us.

[00:14:13]>> One cup each. Back. I said back.

[00:14:17]>> Please, I need more for my daughter.

[00:14:18]>> One cup.

[00:14:19]>> She hasn't had water since yesterday.

[00:14:21]>> One cup.

[00:14:22]>> Ego.

[00:14:23]>> Hm?

[00:14:24]>> Do you still believe they are jobs waiting for us? Tell me the truth. Madam Rose promised. I'm asking what you believe now.

[00:14:32]I know what she promised.

[00:14:34]I'm asking what you believe now.

[00:14:36]Look at everything that has happened.

[00:14:37]Our guide has told my two of phones.

[00:14:38]They locked us inside compounds. Now, we are here.

[00:14:40]>> What do you want me to say?

[00:14:42]>> I want you to tell me that when we reach Italy, everything will finally be okay.

[00:14:46]>> I can't promise you that. But, I have to believe there is something better ahead.

[00:14:50]Why did we suffer all this for?

[00:14:52]>> Everybody up, immediately. The route is open. We move tonight.

[00:14:56]>> To Italy?

[00:14:57]>> Yes.

[00:14:58]>> Thank you, Jesus. Finally, we are finally going to Italy.

[00:15:02]>> Listen carefully.

[00:15:03]From this moment, nobody separates from the group. When you are told to stop, you stop. No questions.

[00:15:09]>> When we reach Italy, will the people who arranged our jobs be waiting?

[00:15:12]>> Everything has already been arranged.

[00:15:14]>> Everything?

[00:15:16]>> Everything.

[00:15:17]>> Our jobs, too?

[00:15:18]>> Everything.

[00:15:20]>> [panting] >> When you reach Italy, the people responsible for you will collect you.

[00:15:25]>> Responsible for us?

[00:15:26]>> Everybody outside.

[00:15:27]>> Did you hear what he said?

[00:15:28]>> What?

[00:15:28]>> He said the people responsible for you.

[00:15:30]>> Whatever is waiting for us in Italy.

[00:15:31]>> We stay together.

[00:15:32]>> Promise?

[00:15:34]>> I promise.

[00:15:42]>> They are finally approaching Italy.

[00:15:44]>> There, lights.

[00:15:46]>> Is that [music] >> Italy.

[00:15:52]>> ITALY.

[00:15:53]>> WE MADE IT.

[00:15:54]>> THANK GOD. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Ego.

[00:15:59]>> [music] >> After everything they have survived, the desert, the hunger, the dangerous sea, the transit compounds, the beatings, the nights spent sleeping on dirty floors, they can finally see land.

[00:16:09]>> We made it. Italy.

[00:16:11]>> Ego, we're in Europe.

[00:16:12]>> Ego, we are in Europe.

[00:16:15]It's over.

[00:16:16]No more smugglers. No more sleeping on the ground. No more running. We can finally start our lives.

[00:16:23]Where are we?

[00:16:24]I thought we would go to an immigration office first. Excuse me, please. Where are we going now?

[00:16:29]>> Your people are coming.

[00:16:30]>> Our people?

[00:16:32]What people?

[00:16:35]>> [music] >> Why is he giving him money?

[00:16:39]Maybe for the transport.

[00:16:40]>> Amaka, Ego.

[00:16:42]>> How does he know our names?

[00:16:44]>> You two, come here.

[00:16:46]I said come.

[00:16:48]>> Who are you?

[00:16:49]>> You will know everything soon.

[00:16:50]>> [music] >> Are you from Madam Rose?

[00:16:52]>> Get in the van.

[00:16:53]>> But where is Madam Rose?

[00:16:55]>> You ask too many questions.

[00:16:57]>> We were told somebody would take us to our jobs.

[00:16:59]>> Yes, your jobs. Everything has been arranged.

[00:17:01]>> coming with us?

[00:17:02]>> [music] >> My work ends here.

[00:17:04]>> What?

[00:17:05]>> You reached Italy. I brought you here.

[00:17:07]Our agreement is finished. [music] >> But you said >> Get inside the van.

[00:17:12]>> I don't like this.

[00:17:14]>> Neither do I.

[00:17:16]>> Inside.

[00:17:17]>> Where are you TAKING MY SISTER?

[00:17:20]>> WHY ARE YOU SEPARATING US?

[00:17:23]>> STAY CLOSE TO ME.

[00:17:24]>> I won't leave you.

[00:17:33]>> The windows are darkened. Ego and Amaka sit beside four other young African women.

[00:17:39]Nobody speaks. The van begins moving.

[00:17:42]Ego looks through the dark glass. Italy passes outside. For a moment, [music] she sees beautiful streets, buildings, shops opening for the morning, people drinking coffee, people going to work, normal life. She watches in amazement.

[00:17:59]>> Amaka, look.

[00:18:02]Europe.

[00:18:03]Maybe everything will be different now.

[00:18:05]>> Is this your first time here?

[00:18:07]>> Yes.

[00:18:08]>> Who brought you?